Mercedes, Lexus pickups?

Last year I got into a conversation with a couple of Mercedes-Benz engineers about full-size pickups. It was clear they were thinking about the feasibility of building a pickup to wear the tri-star logo. Mercedes has a pickup-suitable platform and engines, including diesels. Or, it could call on the Chrysler Group and grab a Dodge Ram for a makeover.

Lexus is another premium nameplate with pickup potential. It would be the simple matter of dressing up the new-generation Toyota Tundra.

Audi, too, with the new Q7 SUV and potent gas and diesel engines (including a V12), has the credentials to build a full-size pickup. But I’m having difficulty envisioning a truck wearing the quad-rings logo. (Maybe even BMW, Porsche and Volvo might want to join the pickup party?)

So, can you see these manufacturers of premium passenger vehicles playing in the pickup game with Lincoln and Cadillac?